NiCd = If you are looking for the lowest cost battery then we recommend you chose a NiCad battery. This is the lowest cost
battery but it loses capacity over time
due to "memory effect". NiCd batteries can sit for long periods of
time while retaining a charge. For maximum battery life, completely
discharge the battery before recharging.

NiMh = (Nickel metal hydride) For most users this is the battery we recommend. This battery generally has a
greater capacity (30%) than NiCd batteries and does not suffer as
much from "memory effect". Storing this battery for more than 3 weeks
is not recommended as the battery will discharge quickly. Frequent
recharging without completely discharging the battery will
not cause "memory effect", however the
maximum number of charge cycles is lower than NiCd batteries.

Li-Ion = (Lithium Ion) If you want a lightweight high capacity battery then we recommend Li-Ion. This battery is very lightweight and does
not
suffer from "memory effect". This battery is usually the most expensive battery type. It requires a
special charger (tri-chemistry) to charge the battery. If you have
the proper charger, this battery will be your best choice. It is
more costly upfront to purchase, but a longer life with no "memory
effects" can offset this initial cost.

Memory Effect - Repeatedly charging a battery builds up a
resistance which lowers the batteries maximum capacity. Example: If a
1000mah NiCd battery is charged and discharged every day for one
year, at the end of the year it's capacity may only be 850mah. After
a 2nd year of usage the battery may be at 700mah etc.

MilliAmp Hours (mah) - Think of this rating as the size of your gas
tank. The higher the number the longer you can go without refueling.
However, the higher the number the heavier the battery will weigh and
cost to purchase. If you're constantly running down your battery before you
can recharge, you may need a higher capacity. Otherwise we recommend you
keep the same rating as the battery you have been using.

OEM versus aftermarket batteries - For 95%
of users, aftermarket batteries are a perfectly fine substitute for OEM
batteries. Nearly all batteries (aftermarket and original) are made in Asia,
mostly China. The cells used in these batteries either come from Japan or China.
Japanese cells are considered superior to Chinese cells in both operating
temperature and charge cycles. The plastic case (housing) on most aftermarket
batteries is a copy of the original, in both fit and function. The big advantage
of aftermarket batteries is cost (about half price of OEM) with little difference in durability
or lifespan for the typical user. When operated in
extreme environments (hot/cold) or in critical situations (Military) we
recommend OEM batteries. For everyone else concerned about cost, we would recommend
aftermarket batteries.

All Batteries include a 1 year warranty and are guaranteed to fit your radio.